Les Chalets Du Jardin Alpin

Antoine at reception stood out for being helpful, friendly and spontaneous. The ski locker was conveniently placed near the piste, too. We had slightly underestimated the location: we're used to staying in central Val d’Isère, and getting back to the chalet was harder than expected. In ski boots it was too far and uphill, so we usually took the Train Bleu bus, which worked well. Our three families and three couples, with five children aged 7 to 10, rented the largest unit at Les Chalets du Jardin Alpin for 10-12 people. The duplex was clean and well maintained, compact as is often the case in the Alps, but comfortable, with good quality finishes and small but functional bathrooms.

We were a group of 10 and really enjoyed our stay. The reception staff were very nice, the kitchen was well equipped, and the rooms were new, clean and had plenty of space. The ski out setup was nice, and the price was very reasonable. I'd definitely recommend it for big groups.

We were met late after a long drive, although the person was coming from elsewhere in the resort. The place is actually Les Chalets du Jardin Alpin II, across the road from the original, which is a residential block. It was decent enough, but the dated rooms and lack of USB charging points were noticeable. The back door's magnetic locks didn't work, and the ski storage cupboards were so small they couldn't hold even half our gear. Pillow choices were limited. Several people in our group found the beds too firm. I'm quite heavy and slept fine.

Marine and her colleague at reception were the highlight: unfailingly polite, efficient, and quick to help with anything, always with a smile. The apartments are comfortable by French standards, with very comfortable beds, good showers, plenty of hot water, and fairly easy temperature control. Kitchens have plenty of crockery, pans, and cutlery, though there’s barely room to prepare food, and the apartments feel smaller than the photos. The boot room is clean but tight, with only one bench. The spa requires swimming trunks, and there was a nasty drain-like smell around that area during the day. We were glad our apartment was higher up. Getting into town takes about 10 minutes on foot, and coming back is 12-15 minutes. A free bus runs every 15 minutes; you can walk the last 200-300 metres or take another bus to the centre. When there’s enough snow, skiing into town is easy because the piste runs below Chalet no.1. The return run needs good snow, and it wasn’t open during our two weeks in late December. There’s also noise, especially from delivery vans and skidoos starting at 7:30 a.m. and people coming back from town late at night, though that may be expected in a party town like Val.